Miles Gemini
Miles Aircraft · United Kingdom · first flew 1945 · light aircraft
The Miles Gemini was a British four-seat twin-engine light aircraft developed by Miles Aircraft at the end of World War II, intended to meet anticipated postwar demand for safe, comfortable touring aircraft. It was the twin-engine equivalent of the earlier Miles Monarch.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 6.78 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- British low-wing twin-engine light touring monoplane from 1945
- Twin small piston engines giving good single-engine safety for private touring
- Distinctive Miles rounded wingtips, four-seat enclosed cabin, retractable undercarriage
Identified by its twin-engine layout unusual in a light four-seater of the period, combined with the Miles rounded wingtip and clean wooden low-wing construction; the close-set engines distinguish it from larger twins.
Specifications
- The Miles Gemini has a length of 6.78 m (22 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.02 m (36 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 241 km/h (150 mph).
- Typical crew: 1 + 3 passengers.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in October 1945, the Gemini used two small Cirrus Minor engines to provide twin-engine safety at modest cost. It entered production and was sold to private owners and air taxi operators across Britain and several export markets.
Variants
The Gemini 1A was the main production version; the Gemini 3 featured more powerful Cirrus Major engines. A small number were converted to single-engine configuration post-service.
Where you'll see it
Popular with British private and business flyers in the late 1940s and 1950s; used by several overseas operators and in limited numbers by communications units.
Related aircraft
- Miles Aerovan
- Miles M.38 Messenger
- Miles Mercury
- Miles M.20
- Auster J/1 Autocrat
- Beechcraft Bonanza (V35)
- Cessna 140
- Cessna 190
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